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Mustafa Tunçalp brings a modern touch to ceramics
Traditional geometric figures, tulips, cloves and sultans' signatures (tuğra) can be seen in Tunçalp's plates, sculptures and installations, however, with different techniques. “The patterns are bigger than the traditional ones, and I combined them with geometric forms such as squares or circles and used different colors in the background. In this way, I always tried new and different forms,” he explains. Associating the traditional with the contemporary, in terms of either technique or interpretation, is a means of conveying a certain acquisition and knowledge. “Indeed,” says Tunçalp, “it's remembering the ancient Anatolian patterns in our contemporary lives.”
However, the situation of ceramic arts in Turkey today is not very promising. As one of the most important figures in the field of ceramic arts both in Turkey and in the world, Tunçalp describes the difficulties of his art. “The art of ceramic is one of the most difficult arts,” says Tunçalp. “It's not like other arts, such as painting, which you can do as long as you get yourself a brush and a canvas. However, ceramics requires portage. You work with your body as well as your brain.”
This also influences interest in ceramics. “The art of ceramics is very unlucky in Turkey because painting is mainly in the forefront,” notes Tunçalp. “Paintings are easy to carry, to protect, but since ceramics are very vulnerable materials, people don't like to have them even in their houses.”
A new generation
Yet, there is a young generation of artists getting ready for the future. In addition to creating his own works, Tunçalp is also known for his work as an educator trying to support the development of ceramic arts. “There's a department of fine arts in every university here in Turkey, and some 10 or 15 people graduate from the ceramics department of each university every year,” he explains. “And it's very hard for these people to find work for themselves. Factories work with technology instead of artists, and ceramic arts are not too well known among people. Thus even though these young people produce some new works, they cannot find any place to sell them. On the other hand, if they try to make more portable works, they don't have the ability to compete with products coming from the Far East and China because they are very cheap.”
“I taught at universities for about 16 years. I am also the artistic adviser of Çanakkale Ceramics and have been working there for 39 years. I try to help and support trainees every year. I try to help everyone who asks for help.”
“Seramikler” is a collection of Tunçalp's most unique works. It is a totally new experience that he wants to preserve as it is. “I do not intend to continue with this concept. This was a thing that I wanted to do, and I've completed it,” he says, but without doubt he will go on producing new works. “My excitement will surely lead me somewhere, and I will do something new.” The exhibition is on display until Nov. 10.
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